By Aritra Banerjee
BrahMos supersonic cruise missile, with increased indigenous content and improved performance, was successfully test-fired from Integrated Test Range, Chandipur, off the coast of Odisha at 1030 hrs on January 20, 2022. The launch was conducted by Brahmos Aerospace in close coordination with the teams of Defence Research and Development Organisation (DRDO). The missile followed the predicted trajectory in this textbook flight, meeting all mission objectives.
The flight test is a significant milestone in the way forward for the BrahMos programme. The highly manoeuvrable missile cruised at supersonic speed for its maximum range, and all mission objectives were met. The missile was equipped with advanced indigenous technologies and followed a modified optimal trajectory for enhanced efficiency and improved performance. The missile with the modified control system has been fine-tuned to achieve an enhanced capability. This flight test was monitored by all the sensors of the range instrumentation, including telemetry, radar and electro-optical tracking systems deployed across the eastern coast and the downrange ships.
Teams from DRDO and NPOM, Russia, participated in the test. BrahMos Aerospace, the joint venture between DRDO and NPOM, Russia, has continuously upgraded the powerful, highly versatile BrahMos to increase its effectiveness and lethality against sea and land targets. BrahMos is the potent missile weapon system already inducted into the Armed Forces.
Defence Minister Rajnath Singh complimented the Brahmos, DRDO teams and industry for the successful flight test.
Secretary, Department of Defence R&D and Chairman DRDO Dr G Satheesh Reddy appreciated the scientists and engineers for continuously maximising the weapon systems efficiency and focusing more on indigenous content. Director-General BrahMos Atul D Rane congratulated the joint teams of NPOM, Russia and DRDO teams involved in the test.